Hurco Open House bags £1 million on back of new technology and livery
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Over 100 visitors representing 78 companies from the UK and the Republic of Ireland attended Hurco Europe's latest Open House, held at the company's High Wycombe showroom from 23 to 25 April 2013. During the three days, 23 orders worth over £1 million were placed.
The event marked the UK launch of a new series of 'intelligent' machining centres with enhanced control technology, diagnostics and networking, as well as energy efficient electrics and improved hardware. A complete rebranding of the company's machine tool livery and logo accompanied the other announcements.
Much interest was shown by existing customers, who wanted to see the improvements first hand, says the company. However, approximately 40% of orders were placed by new customers, an average that Hurco has maintained over the past 12 years. It has underpinned the company's 15% average year-on-year turnover increase during that period.
A further reason for the impressive growth rate is the expansion of the machining centre range to include 5-axis models and large bridge-type machines, and the introduction of a programme of CNC lathes in 2006, initiatives that have seen the product range grow to 45 models.
Managing director David Waghorn commented: "Our automotive, aerospace and motor sport customers are all busy at the moment and investing in machines, but we are also seeing a lot of activity in the general subcontract and mould making sectors.
"Although there remains some uncertainty about the future, visitors were generally upbeat. People were booking demonstrations for later in May, because they were so busy at the end of April.
"We received many positive comments about the appearance of the new machines and the rebranding in general."
Mr Waghorn went on to say that considerable interest was shown in the new UltiMotion software, now standard on all of Hurco's 'intelligent' machining centres, including 5-axis models. Machines equipped with the software were clearly seen to operate faster and more smoothly in the High Wycombe showroom. More than 50 of the requested quotations following the Open House included an upgrade to, or the addition of, UltiMotion.
The feature gives 25 to 30% faster production cycles and improved surface finish and works equally well with conversational part programs and NC programs. The reduction in cycle time increases with the complexity of the part and with the addition of repetitive tasks, such as drilling and tapping.
